Mary Coughlan
Question:144 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Social Welfare when legislation will be introduced to allow immediate payments of the arrears of equality payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5180/95]
Written Answers. - Equality Payments Arrears.
The official text of the judgment of the High Court in what amounted to two test cases arising from the delay in implementing the 1979 Equal Treatment Directive was made available on 10 February last. That decision of the High Court is being examined by my Department in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.
The programme, A Government of Renewal, outlines this Government's commitment to pay the legally determined entitlements of married women to social welfare equality payments. In keeping with this commitment, I am preparing proposals in the context of the court's decision. In the meantime, the Government has already provided £60 million as a first step in meeting our obligations.